DILI, 06 July 2026 (TATOLI) — Construction of Timor-Leste’s National Library has officially begun, marking the start of a US$11.73 million project aimed at strengthening education, supporting research and preserving the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
The project, which follows years of planning, design and procurement, is being implemented by CGCOC-ASUC Joint Venture, selected through an international competitive tender.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Bairro Pité, Dili, the Prime Minister said the National Library will serve as a central repository for Timor-Leste’s historical records, collecting documents on the country’s past, including texts, photographs, videos and audio materials sourced from Portugal, Indonesia and other countries, to help younger generations better understand the nation’s history.
He added that, in addition to preserving historical records from before 1999, documentation from 2000 onwards is also important and should be systematically archived at the National Library.
Timor-Leste is a linguistically diverse country, with more than 20 dialects still spoken across the country. The Prime Minister said writing in these languages is important for preserving cultural identity and documenting the nation’s rich multilingual heritage.
“I call on universities and academics to begin writing now,” Gusmão said.
Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay described the National Library as a long-term investment in the country’s future rather than simply the construction of a new public building.
“Today marks more than the beginning of construction on a new building,” Kalbuadi Lay said. “It marks the birth of an institution that will safeguard our national memory, support education and research, and give future generations access to the knowledge and history of our country.”
He said the library would play a vital role in preserving Timor-Leste’s collective memory while promoting learning, research and wider public access to knowledge.
Emanuele Calviello, Managing Director of Eni Australia Limited, said the National Library forms part of the company’s local content commitment, supported by its joint venture partners to promote sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
Calviello said Eni’s commitment to Timor-Leste extends beyond oil and gas operations through what the company describes as a “Dual Flag Model,” which combines commercial investment with long-term support for social, environmental and cultural development.
He said the approach seeks to foster sustainable growth while respecting human rights and minimising the environmental impact of industrial activities.
“What I truly hope is that this National Library becomes a home of culture, a place where the country’s cultural heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations,” he said.
Once completed, the National Library is expected to become a key national institution supporting education, academic research and the preservation of Timor-Leste’s documentary and cultural heritage.
The project also highlights how investment linked to the country’s petroleum sector can contribute to long-term human, educational and cultural development beyond the energy industry.
TATOLI
